In the Qing Dynasty, the imperial court fraught with gossip and jealousy. After waiting two years for Prince Min Yee's safe return, the Empress Dowager and soon to be coronated Empress,Yun Yuen, have given up hope finding him and decide to sacrifice his wife Yee Lan. Is this decision to appease the Heavens or is it a sinister scheme?

The noble Sire saves Yee Lan from the human sacrifice and makes her his consort. Despite the arrival of Min Yee's remains, this creates a serious rift between Yi Lan and the Harem, Empress Dowager, and especially Yun Yuen. Now forced to share the title of Empress, Yun Yuen has made it her mission to destory Yee Lan

Yee Lan's promotion divides the entire Royal Court, from the Harem to the political ministry. The veracity of Min Yee's remains is challenged and a tea ceremony provides an opportunity for Yun Yuen to sabotage Yee Lan and dominate the Harem

Yee Lan has found a way out of every trap set for her, but can she deal with being framed for murder?

As rumors circulate about Min Yee still being alive, Yee Lan requests time away from the Forbidden City, but plans to escape and conduct her own investigation. Jealous of Yee Lan, once again Yun Yuen attempts to stand in her way

With Yee Lan stuck in a plague-ravaged town and Sire out looking for her, political and state matters are temporarily supervised by Prince Shui. His controversial methods of rule cause dissent among the Ministers. As he searches for a cure and cares for those affected by the plague, the Emperor learns firsthand of the conditions facing his subjects